Defeats leave Binos playing for pride
Three straight defeats, including a 6-0 home thrashing by East Fife in March, virtually put paid to Stirling Albion’s chances of promotion. The losses to the Fifers, Elgin (2-1) and Berwick (1-0) were damaging after a 1-0 win over Arbroath.
There was revenge over East Stirling (3-0) but draws against Queen’s Park, Elgin and Montrose left them playing for pride and the season ended with a win over Annan (2-1) and defeat by Clyde (3-1).
Doune Castle lost 5-1 at Oban Saints in the Scottish Cup and 4-0 to Craigshill in the East of Scotland Cup semis but an unbeaten run in the Caledonian Premier League saw them retain the title.
Jamie Murray was on a high. He helped his brother Andy to beat Japan in the Davis Cup and then made history when he become World No 1 in men’s doubles - the first British player to reach the lofty position under the modern ranking system.
Andy had a tough time, losing early in Indian Wells and Miami before reaching the semis at Monaco, where he lost to Rafael Nadal.
Stirling County’s Premiership place was secured when Currie beat Gala and in BT West League Two McLaren had a poor run, which saw them end mid-table. Strathendrick’s sorry season ended with relegation.
Cricket, golf and bowls all started, with Stirling County losing their Western Union Division One opener to West of Scotland.
Both Bridge of Allan squash teams won their East Division titles while boxer James Thomson landed the British light-welterweight Classic Challenge Belt at the Albert Hall against Marek Laskowski.
Stirling Albion’s under-20s won the SPFL Development East League and boss Stuart McLaren and assistant Martyn Corrigan penned new deals for 2016-17.
The summertime Forth and Endrick League had a false start, with all games off in the first weekend.